asia

Inside Tokyo 2018

Experience the wonders of Japan, from ancient shrines to futuristic fashion trends. Conquer the towering Mount Fuji, explore the cultural phenomenon of Anime, live with a Japanese family. Each day will bring new discoveries on a whirlwind trip to the Land of the Rising Sun

Duration

12 days

Availability

Payment Options

Pay Deposit

Pay in Full

Standard Plan - 20% deposit then 2 further payments over 11 weeksPay an initial 20% deposit now on enrollment and then we will invoice you by email when the further two payments are due. Both payments will be for 40% with the final payment being due 11 weeks from today (date of enrollment).

Description

People to People Unique Moments

Authentic Homestay in Japan

Experience complete cultural immersion during a homestay like no other. Gain an unbelievable insight into daily Japanese life as you try home-cooked foods, practice your Japanese and explore the history behind kimonos and yukata. Socialise the Japanese way with trips out to local hotspots popular with kids and adults alike. Most importantly get ready to snap photos, laugh, and make new friends!

Anime Adventure

Take part in a fascinating behind-the-scenes workshop on Japanese Anime. Discover the role this artistic phenomena plays in Japanese society, and how it has come to portray major themes prevalent across all cultures. With expert help, learn how it is designed and produced during a truly insightful People to People International experience.

School Days!

Get to know Japanese students during a specially arranged school visit. This experience is designed to showcase both the similarities and differences in life between you and your Japanese peers. Spend a day immersed in the activities that have shaped a nation, which provides an amazing insight into Japanese identity.

Cultural Exchanges / Education and Service

Cook like Pro

Learn to make traditional Japanese foods during a hands-on work-shop. Designed to showcase the delights of Japanese cuisine, this experience will set you on your way to becoming a master of the kitchen. Prepare classic dishes such as okonomiyaki, which has a wealth of possible ingredients, making it the perfect recipe for getting creative!

Learn the Lingo

Listen, learn and practice Japanese with students, your host family, and others you meet along the way during your immersive tour of the many wonders of Japan. There is no better way to understand the intricacies of cultures and societies than by examining the ways in which they communicate with one another.

Experience Ancient Religions

Develop your understanding of the Shinto and Buddhist religions, the two most prevalent religions in Japan. Shinto, as the former national religion, has played a huge part in the history of the country and as such is a fantastic tool for studying the events of its past while also offering a unique insight into the minds of the people who follow its teachings.

Fun and Adventure!

Conquer Mount Fuji

Hike up marvelous Mount Fuji and get your camera ready, the views truly are beautiful. Marvel at the spectacular panoramas available from the famous Fifth Station which stretch for as far as the eye can see across land and sea. Look down on the city below from the natural surroundings of the mountain that have been perfectly preserved by conservation workers.

Tokyo from Above and Below

See Tokyo from the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the best place for truly appreciating the wondrous city in all its glory. Get to know Tokyo on a more personal level by taking advantage of expert guides who will lead you on detailed journeys around the capital’s hidden gems.

Soak in a Japanese Spring

Soak up a traditional Japanese Onsen experience, as you bathe in one of Japan’s famous hot springs. As a volcanic country, the springs available are second to none, and form a big part of life in the region. Most importantly, they offer you the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the finer things in life while connecting with nature in a whole new way.

DAYS 1-2

Those all-important First Impressions…
Set out on your once in a lifetime adventure to the Land of the Rising Sun. Meet your experienced delegation manager who will introduce to you to the exotic sights and sounds of Japan’s capital city.Get to know your like-minded companions as you immerse yourself in the delights of Tokyo on the way to your hotel, as you prepare for a whirlwind tour of the very best of Japan, thanks to the unique experiences provided by the team at People to People International.

DAY 3

Understanding Japanese Politics and Religion
Gain a fascinating insight into the inner workings of Japanese government at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices. Discover how politics in the region is connected with the Shinto religion at the Meiji Shrine, which seeks to combine the old and the new, through celebrating the events of the past.Head to the Harajuku district, which is home to the latest Japanese fashions. Explore one of Japan’s most famous exports, anime, in Kiddyland and the Oriental Bazaar. Learn the secrets of preparing okonomiyaki during a cooking experience at a traditional local restaurant.

DAY 4

Exploring Japanese Exports: From Raman to Electronics
Take a deep breath… During this action packed day, you’ll barter with locals over the perfect fish at Tshukiji Market, travel through one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets and visit the breath-taking Asakusa Kannon Temple.Tuck into a tasty lunch at a Tokyo ramen house, before getting an insider’s look into Japanese electronics at Panasonic, Sony, or Toyota. At People to People International, we like to offer you as much control as possible, so help your delegation to choose between a high-energy Japanese karaoke experience or a visit to a multiplex Japanese anime arcade for your evening’s entertainment.

DAY 5

School Days and Anime
Take part in a fascinating behind-the-scenes workshop on Japanese Anime. Discover the role this artistic phenomena plays in Japanese society, and how it has come to portray major themes prevalent across all cultures.Following a local lunch, get to know Japanese students during a school visit, which highlights both the similarities and differences in life between you and your Japanese peers. Meet your homestay family and begin a truly immersive experience you just won’t find anywhere else.

DAYS 6-8

Complete Cultural Immersion Experience complete cultural immersion during a homestay like no other. Your hosts are specially selected based off your own interests and age, providing you with the most rewarding experience possible.

Gain an unbelievable insight into daily Japanese life as you try home-cooked foods, practice your Japanese and explore the history behind kimonos and yukata. Socialise the Japanese way with trips out to local hotspots popular with kids and adults alike. Most importantly get ready to snap photos, laugh, and make new friends!

DAY 9

Hitting the Heights of Mount Fuji
After bidding farewell to your Japanese hosts, head over to one of our planets moat breath-taking sights, on a journey through Japan’s rolling countryside and stunning natural habitats.Head to Mount Fuji’s famous Fifth Station and take the hike of a lifetime on the mountain’s winding trails. For some well-earned rest, relax in the tranquil surroundings of a Japanese Onsen, a public bath created by natural hot springs.

DAY 10

A Journey Across Land and Lakes
In the shadow of the mountains, cruise across the aptly named Lake Ashi for beautiful lakeside views of the wealth of nature on show. Hot natural springs, historical sites and views of Mount Fuji make this a truly rewarding visit, as well as a fantastic photo opportunity!After lunch, it’s time to swap the water for the sky, as you jump aboard a cable car and soar high above the sights of Mount Komagatake. Gaze down on this mysterious land while enjoying the thrills of one of the longest cable car journeys in the world.

DAY 11

Traditional and Digital Wonderlands
Immerse yourself in unique cultural activities, specially arranged by People to People International, from Japanese tea ceremonies to sushi making and origami. Explore the digital wonderland of Akihabara Electronic Town, where you’ll find everything you need to know about Japanese anime, manga, and video gaming during a fun filled scavenger hunt.Learn about cosplay trends in Japan over tasty local sweets at a Maid Café, with costumed and role-playing waiters. During your final evening, experience the magic of Disney, on a visit to either Disneyland or Disney Sea.

DAY 12

Sayōnara!
Say Sayōnara to Japan as you head home from your voyage of discovery with a wealth of memories and new found friends.

Day to Day

Seattle, USA

Overnight Flight

Day 1

Meet your delegation and board your overnight flight to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Tokyo, Japan

Welcome to Japan

Day 2

In 1868, the Emperor moved to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo. Thus, Tokyo became the capital of Japan. Today, Tokyo is home to more than 9 million people and mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. Meet your experienced delegation manager upon touching in down in Tokyo. Settle in for a good night’s rest. You have a big day ahead of you.

People to People Moment

Learn to make traditional Japanese foods during a hands-on workshop. Designed to showcase the delights of Japanese cuisine, this experience will get you on your way to becoming a master of the kitchen. Prepare classic dishes such as okonomiyaki, which has a number of possible ingredients, making it the perfect recipe for getting creative!

Tokyo, Japan

Understanding Japanese Politics and Religion

Day 3

Gain a fascinating insight into the inner workings of Japanese government at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices. Discover how politics in the region is connected with the Shinto religion at the Meiji Shrine, which seeks to combine the old and the new, through celebrating the events of the past. Head to the Harajuku district, which is home to the latest Japanese fashions. Explore one of Japan’s most famous exports, anime, in Kiddyland and the Oriental Bazaar.

People to People Moment

Today you meet you Japanese host family. A People to People program is not complete without a truly immersive homestay experience. Impress your host family but mastering this phrase Anata no omotenashi o arigatogozaimashita (Thank you for your hospitality)!

Tokyo, Japan

Exploring Japanese Exports

Day 4

During this action-packed day you’ll barter with locals over the perfect fish at Tshukiji Market, travel through one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets, and visit the breathtaking Asakusa Kannon Temple. Dive into a tasty lunch at a Tokyo ramen house before getting an insider’s look into Japanese electronics at Panasonic, Sony, or Toyota. At People to People International we like to offer you as much control as possible, so help your delegation choose between a high-energy Japanese karaoke experience or a visit to a multi-plex Japanese Anime arcade for your evening’s entertainment.

Countryside, Japan

Authentic Homestay Experience

Day 5

Take part in a fascinating behind-the-scenes workshop on Japanese Anime. Discover the role this artistic phenomenon plays in Japanese society, and how it has come to depict major themes prevalent across all cultures. Following a classic regional lunch, get to know Japanese students during a school visit. You will be able to see both the similarities and differences in life between you and your Japanese peers. Then meet your homestay family and begin an immersive experience you won’t find anywhere else.

People to People Moment

Get to know Japanese students during a specially-arranged school visit. This experience is designed to showcase both the similarities and differences in life between you and your Japanese peers. Spend the day immersed in the activities that have shaped a nation, which provides an amazing perspective on Japanese identity.

Tokyo, Japan

Complete Cultural Immersion

Day 6-8

Experience complete cultural immersion during a homestay like no other. Your hosts are specially-selected based off your own interests and age, providing you with the most rewarding experience possible. Gain an incredible glimpse into daily Japanese life as you try home-cooked foods, practice your Japanese, and explore the history behind kimonos and yukata. Socialize the Japanese way with trips out to local hot spots popular with kids and adults alike. Most importantly, get ready to snap photos, laugh, and make new friends!

People to People Moment

Truly relax like a local by soaking up a traditional Japanese Onsen experience, as you bathe in one of Japan’s famous hot springs. As a volcanic country, the springs available are second to none, and form a big part of life in the region. Most importantly, they offer you the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the finer things in life while connecting with nature in a whole new way.

Mount Fuji

Hitting the Heights of Mt. Fuji

Day 9

After bidding farewell to your Japanese hosts, head to one of our planet’s most breathtaking sights as you journey through Japan’s rolling countryside and stunning natural habitats. Head to Mount Fuji’s famous Fifth Station and take the hike of a lifetime on the mountain’s winding trails. For some well-earned rest, relax in the tranquil surroundings of a Japanese Onsen, a public bath created by natural hot springs.

Tokyo, Japan

A Journey Across Land and Lakes

Day 10

In the shadow of the mountains, cruise across the aptly-named Lake Ashi for beautiful lakeside views. Hot natural springs, historical sites, and views of Mount Fuji make this a truly rewarding visit, as well as a fantastic photo opportunity! After lunch, it’s time to swap the water for the sky as you jump aboard a cable car and soar high above the sights of Mount Komagatake. Gaze down on this mysterious land while enjoying the thrills of one of the longest cable car journeys in the world.

People to People Moment

Explore the digital wonderland of Akihabara Electronic Town, where you’ll find everything you need to know about Japanese anime, manga, and video gaming during a fun filled scavenger hunt led by Japanese university students. Learn about cosplay trends in Japan over tasty local sweets at a Maid Café, with costumed and role-playing waiters.

Tokyo, Japan

Traditional and Digital Wonderlands

Day 11

Immerse yourself in unique cultural activities, from Japanese tea ceremonies to sushi-making and origami. Explore the digital wonderland of Akihabara Electronic Town, where you’ll find everything you need to know about Japanese Anime, manga, and video gaming during a fun-filled scavenger hunt. Learn about cosplay trends in Japan over tasty local sweets at a Maid Café, with costumed and role-playing waiters. During your final evening, experience the magic of Disney, on a visit to either Disneyland or Disney Sea.

Tokyo, Japan

Sayōnara!

Day 12

It’s time to say farewell to Japan as you head home from your voyage of discovery with a wealth of memories and new found friends.

ECEI is the official travel provider for People to People International Travel Programs

Contact

People to People
International Travel Programs
44 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA 01950